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The Federal Aviation Administration said late Sunday that air traffic control staffing shortages were delaying flights at several major U.S. airports, including Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta and Newark, as the government shutdown entered its 19th day.
By early Monday, the FAA said most staffing issues had been resolved, though a “staffing trigger” remained in effect in Philadelphia, potentially affecting flights into Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
As of Monday morning, 846 domestic flights had been delayed, according to FlightAware, but neither Philadelphia nor Newark ranked among the nation’s worst airports for delays.
The FAA said Sunday night that additional staffing triggers had been received for the evening shift, warning that Las Vegas and Phoenix could see disruptions. By Monday, both appeared to be operating normally.
Shutdown Strains Air Traffic System
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the pressure on the aviation system during an appearance on Fox & Friends Monday morning, noting that air traffic controllers have gone without pay since the shutdown began.
“Because of the government shutdown, air traffic controllers will not be paid,” Duffy said. “A lot of them are seeking other work to keep their families afloat. I hope we don’t see more disruptions, but as this gets closer to payday, I think you could see more of that through the airspace.”
More than 7,600 flights were delayed Sunday, FlightAware said, with additional delays attributed to weather and a Formula 1 race in Austin, Texas. About 20% of American Airlines and Southwest Airlines flights were delayed that day.
Roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay during the shutdown.
Political and Operational Fallout
Air traffic control has emerged as a flashpoint in the shutdown battle, as unions and airlines press for a resolution. Both Republicans and Democrats have blamed each other for the standoff, while the Trump administration has begun airing videos at airport security checkpoints blaming Democrats — though several airports have refused to show them.
The FAA is 3,500 controllers short of its target staffing level, and many controllers have been working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks even before the shutdown.
During the 35-day shutdown in 2019, a wave of controller absences caused major slowdowns in New York and Washington, forcing lawmakers to broker a quick deal to end the crisis.
Duffy warned Monday that similar problems could return if the current shutdown continues much longer.
